Organizer Information
un Projects is an independent arts-publishing platform based on the unceded sovereign lands of the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation in Australia. For over two decades, the organization has supported independent arts discourse through publishing, critical writing, artist-led perspectives, public programs, and its print magazine, un Magazine. Its activities include un Extended, an online platform for arts writing, podcasts, and events.
The organization is committed to supporting experimental ideas and independent voices in contemporary art and cultural discourse.
Title & Description
un Magazine 21.1: Autodidacticism Call for Proposals
un Projects invites proposals for issue 21.1 of un Magazine, guest edited by Paul Boyé. The issue explores autodidacticism, or the process of learning independently through self-teaching, informal education, and self-directed research.
The call examines the contradictions surrounding independent learning and the figure of the autodidact. It asks how alternative education, do-it-yourself (DIY) practices, and accessible digital knowledge can create opportunities for artistic autonomy while also raising questions about invisible labour, institutional authority, and the value of independent intellectual work.
Potential topics include self-learning, alternative arts education, experimental art history, DIY practices in contemporary art, curatorial approaches to learning, citizen science, Indigenous pedagogy, homeschooling, computational-model training, shadow libraries, online text repositories, and self-development.
The magazine welcomes a range of contributions, including arts criticism essays, artwork pages, interviews, artist profiles, exhibition reviews, and other relevant formats.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Writing and Literature
- Art Criticism
- Contemporary Art
- Art History
- Curatorial Practice
- Arts Education
- Interdisciplinary and Research-Based Practices
These categories describe the subject areas and formats indicated in the official announcement; they are not a separately published eligibility taxonomy.
Eligibility
The official call does not specify nationality, age, gender, or career-stage restrictions. Artists, writers, researchers, curators, and other contributors whose work relates to the issue's theme may consider applying. International eligibility should be confirmed with the organizer if necessary.
Emerging contributors can request additional editorial mentorship, subject to availability.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Paid contributions: All contributors to un Magazine are paid for their work.
- Publication opportunity: Selected proposals may be developed for publication in issue 21.1.
- Editorial mentorship: Additional support from the editorial committee may be available to emerging contributors who request it.
The announcement does not specify individual payment amounts, award categories, or a guaranteed mentorship package.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 November 2026
- Production period: December 2026–January 2027
- Estimated publication: June 2027
Location
Online / Australia
Additional Details
Paul Boyé is a writer and curator based in Boorloo/Perth. They are Curator at Goolugatup Gallery and Lecturer in Art History and Curatorial Studies at the University of Western Australia, with experience in artist-run projects and curatorial research.
Applicants should familiarise themselves with previous issues of un Magazine to understand its editorial approach and the kind of work it publishes. For application enquiries, contact Audrey Jo Pfister, General Manager of un Projects, through the email address listed on the official website.